Well, it’s finally here – playoff time!  You’ve got your long-time-die-hard fans, and you’ve got the jump-on-the-band-wagon fans. The whole country seems to shift into competitive mode. There’s betting in office pools (or FanDuel if you’re really into it), yelling and swearing at the refs from living room couches as if they could be heard, and of course football playoff parties of all types – everything from the friendly family get-together to the testosterone-filled man cave with 3 flat screen TVs. And they all have one thing in common… everyone needs food! It’s tough coming up with great Super Bowl Food Ideas for the playoffs that span four weeks. I’m here to help.

Whether you’re pulling for the Patriots, angling for Arizona, or cheering for Carolina, I’ve got something for you! Here’s a collection of recipes from some of the best food bloggers out there to celebrate each and every playoff team’s region.

AFC Super Bowl Food Ideas

[bctt tweet=”The Denver Broncos and beer – they just go together! Cheers! “]

• New England Patriots: It’s impossible to think New England without thinking New England Clam Chowder. Fortunately for you, my very favorite food blogger ever, Elise at SimplyRecipes.com, has an amazing (and amazingly easy) clam chowder recipe.

New England Clam Chowder from Simply Recipes

• Denver Broncos: Colorado=Beer. How lucky are those Colorado residents who get to boast about living in the birthplace of beer that’s brewed with pure Rocky Mountain spring water? Coors! Not only that, Colorado is a hotbed for craft brews with more than 200 micro breweries up and running and putting out amazing beer choices. Here’s a great article that celebrates the success of Colorado’s craft beers! And if you get motivated, here’s how to make a great black and tan beer.

How to Make a Black and Tan Beer from The Spicy Apron

• Cincinnati Bengals: Although I’ve never actually been to Cincinnati, I do know that it’s famous for it’s unique take on Chili, and I found a fantastic recipe from Jeanette’sHealthyLiving.com. This is a wonderful slow-cooker version of that authentic rich and hearty Cincinnati chili on a bed of steamy spaghetti. It’s a classic and it’s awesome!
  

  Classic Cincinnati Chili from Jeanette’s Healthy Living

• Houston Texans: Texas is the king of go-big-or-go-home! And there’s nothing bigger than Texas BBQ. Traditional BBQ takes a bit of time and love, and nobody teaches it better than Steven Raichlen at BarbequeBible.com.

Texas Clod (BBQ Beef Shoulder) from Barbeque Bible

• Kansas City Chiefs: When I think Kansas City, I think ribs. Those sticky-sweet-fall-off-the-bone-you’ll-eat-way-more-than-you-should type of ribs. And great ribs are always always worth the effort. Kick your party up a notch with these Kansas City Ribs (even if you’re a Broncos fan)!

Sticky Sweet Baby Back Ribs from The Spicy Apron

• Pittsburgh Steelers: One of the most beloved condiments of all time got its start in Pittsburgh! Heinz Ketchup has been going strong since 1869, and now includes all kinds of flavors like Sriracha, Jalepeño, and even Organic. I’m sure you’ll need to buy the supersized bottle for all those hot dogs and fries that are bound to be consumed during the playoffs.

NFC Super Bowl Food Ideas

[bctt tweet=”Carolina and Krispy Kreme… A match made in heaven! “]

• Arizona Cardinals: Arizona likes its food (and its football) spicy! Whether tailgaiting or kicking back in front of the 65 inch 4K to take in the games, nachos are the perfect Arizona football food! If you’re looking for cheesy, chicken-y, and a little spicy plateful of nachos, these from Nick at Macheesmo.com have everything you’re craving!

Chicken Fajita Nachos from Macheesmo

• Carolina Panthers: Have you ever had one of those warm, soft, sweet, addicting Krispy Kreme doughnuts? Well, you can thank North Carolina for that! Born and bred in Winston-Salem, the iconic Krispy Kreme doughnut has been tempting our taste buds since 1937. And since they’re not available everywhere (that’s really too bad, actually), here’s a fantastic copycat recipe from Jaclyn at CookingClassy.com. Can you think of a better way to start a day of football than with a fresh out of the oven, gooey, sticky glazed Krispy Kreme copycat?

Copycat Krispy Kreme Doughnuts from Cooking Classy

• Minnesota Vikings: I lived in the frozen tundra otherwise knows as Minnesota for seven years and I learned a lot of things. I learned how to shovel three feet of snow off of a very long driveway. I learned how to run outside even when it’s 20 below. I learned that the state has way more than 10,000 beautiful, enticing, picturesque lakes. But mostly I learned that Minnesotans love their “hot dish.” This all in one casserole can consist of anything from chicken to beef to mac-n-cheese to tater tots – it’s the home run (or should I say touchdown) of comfort food! After scouring the internet, I found the perfect representative hot dish from Brenda at AFarmGirlsDabbles.com! This one’s got it all!

Tater Tot Hot Dish from A Farm Girl’s Dabbles

• Washington Redskins: It’s probably not very PC of me, especially given the grumblings over the Redskins’ name over the last couple of years, but when it came down to it, I decided that a great representation for the Redskins is Indian Fry Bread. It’s awesome, it’s tailgate friendly, and it’s.. well… Indian. This fry bread is great as a sweet dessert or a savory start to any football food! It’s classic, simple, and authentic. Even though this one doesn’t come from a picture friendly food blog, but it’s worth checking out!

Traditional Indian Fry Bread

• Green Bay Packers: Cheese. Duh. Really… that’s probably all I need to say! But just in case you want to make something warm, cheesy, and bacon-y to celebrate the Packers, try out this amazing dip from the very talented Chungha from DamnDelicious.net. It’s really amazing!
  

  Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip from Damn Delicious 

• Seattle Seahawks: Seattle has so many things to offer – a rugged coastline, misty sunsets, and amazing fresh seafood. I had to go with salmon for this one, and keeping with the football friendly theme, I figured a rich, savory, delicious salmon dip from Krissy at SelfProclaimedFoodie.com would do the trick!

Smoked Salmon Dip from Self Proclaimed Foodie

And when the playoffs are all said and done and it’s down to just two teams, there’s one thing I think we can all agree on… the very best of all Super Bowl Food Ideas has got to be WINGS! And here are some of the best of the best!

Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Baked Wings by Baker by Nature

Coca Cola Chicken Wings from Culinary Hill

 

Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings from Nicole at Or Whatever You Do

 

I hope you enjoy the playoffs as much as we will! And I hope your team wins (well, only if your team is the Arizona Cardinals!). Please forward, Like, Share, Tweet, Insta, Yum, or simply tell someone about this post if you think it will help make their playoffs more fun, enjoyable, and filling! Go Cardinals!